Looking for a managerial-level job is completely different from applying for your first job.

Having a well thought out strategy when searching for job openings is essential if you want to bag that top job.

Here are some tips to get you on the right track.

1. Showcase your transferable skills

Taking on the role of manager requires much more than just monitoring staff.

You must possess good training skills, have strong presentation skills, as well as have the capability to develop and interpret policies and processes.

Other responsibilities include recruiting, interviewing, setting up schedules and managing projects from start to end.

You have most likely already picked up some of these skills in your previous roles, so now all you have to do is describe how your work experience translates into the management position you are applying for.

Here are prime examples of management-level responsibilities that you can cross-check:

• Managing the onboarding of new hires
• Organising training for company personnel
• Proposing departmental policies
• Proposing leadership initiatives
• Planning and executing events

2. Describe your field of expertise

Having a clear understanding of the ins and outs of your current job, the chemistry of your team and the background of your industry is important if you wish to take on your first management role.

Display this expertise on your resume and on your LinkedIn profile. Highlight your most relevant skills as well as your work experience in terms of number of years.

Remember to describe the industry you were involved in and share relevant incidents on your social media profile.

3. Sharpen your management skills

If you think you lack experience and want to strengthen your skills, consider pursuing a management course or work towards getting certification.

Taking the initiative to improve your skills is a great way to demonstrate your desire for the role. You should also include all relevant training in your resume, even if some are ongoing.

4. Refine your storytelling

Most hiring managers adopt competency-based interviewing. So, you will certainly be asked to share your experiences during the interview.

When highlighting your experiences, focus on your key skills and remember to be articulate. The easiest way to format your response is by providing examples, results and hindsight during the interview.

5. Utilise the ‘S.T.A.R’ methodology

Share your best career achievements and construct a compelling story around each point with the “S.T.A.R” methodology.

This approach will make your answers sound more credible, and it will be easier for employers to fact check your responses.

• Situation: Describe the event or situation you were in.
• Task: Describe the task you had to accomplish.
• Action: Describe in detail every action you took to accomplish the task.
• Result: Conclude with the result of your efforts.

6. Carry yourself like a manager

You have to project a personality that seems in sync with your potential employers’ business.

Talk about them and mention their company name during the interview to make a good first impression.

When your responses sound more personal and sincere, your potential employer will better be able to see if you are the right person for the role.

This article first appeared in jobstore.com

Jobstore is an online job site that specialises in providing jobseekers with the latest job opportunities by matching talented individuals with reputable companies in Malaysia. Find your dream job with over 40,000 job vacancies in Malaysia.